A Complete Guide To Window Replacement
Windows are often looked over, so many homeowners don't even realize that they are in dire need of window replacement. Consequently, many people don't even know what to expect from the whole process. Window replacement projects are time-consuming and expensive, so you need to do your research beforehand.
Hence, we have prepared a complete window replacement guide to help you through the process.
Signs You Need Window Replacement:
First, you need to evaluate your home for any such signs. There are many signs which indicate that it is time for window replacement. Most of these signs can be spotted easily.
Broken Window Frame:
If the window glass is broken, that can be easily replaced. The same cannot be expected from the window frame. If the frame is either broken or pulling away from the wall, that is a definite indication for replacement.
Drafty Windows And Poor Energy Efficiency:
Have you noticed air coming into your room, even when all the doors and windows are closed? Upon further investigation, it will become clear that the air is coming from the windows. This is a concerning matter because it can also drastically increase your energy bills. As the treated air is escaping outside, your HVAC system would need to work overtime to compensate for that.
Condensation:
The formation of condensation and snow on either side of the window is a direct sign of poorly insulated windows.
Cold To Touch:
Single paned windows will always feel cold. But if double paned windows are cold, something is wrong. Usually, they should be mildly cold, even in freezing temperatures.
Unable To Repair:
Windows can be repaired and painted with ease. But when you realize that repair is not enough, that is a telling sign. If repair costs you more than 30% of its original price, invest in replacement windows.
Reasons For Window Replacement:
In addition to above mentioned points, here are some other reasons for investing in window replacement.
High Energy Bills:
If your windows are not sealed in the correct manner, they can become drafty. In that instance, they would allow the cool air to escape outside in the summers. In winters, the thermal efficiency of your home will decrease due to cold air coming in. In both cases, the heating and cooling systems will need to work overtime to maintain the optimal temperature of your home. Consequently, this will increase energy consumption, which will lead to high electricity and gas bills.
Old Age:
Everything has its own life, and window materials are similar in this regard. With the passage of time, wear and tear are apparent on the window, indicating that it is a time of change.
Increasing Resale Value:
Who will buy a home with broken, drafty windows? That's right, no one unless they are planning on the renovation on their own. You won't get a reasonable price for your property in both cases because it has a visible shabby structure.
Security:
Reinforced windows will provide more protection.
Adds Aesthetic Value:
Newly replaced windows look beautiful.
Improving Natural And Ventilation:
With the help of replaced windows, you can considerably improve the ventilation and lighting of your home.
Selecting Materials For Replacement Window:
When looking for a window replacement, you need to choose the right type of material for your home.
Aluminum:
Aluminum windows are known for their strength and durability. Windows made of this material have many advantages, like resistance to insects, no rotting, economical, lightweight, and less need for repainting and maintenance. But it has some glaring disadvantages, like being a poor material for energy efficiency susceptible to corrosion when exposed to salty air.
Vinyl:
Vinyl windows are the most famous option, and there is a good reason for that. The material is durable, low maintenance, easy to clean, lightweight, and easy to install. Additionally, it won’t corrode, which gives it its characteristic long lifespan. However, its energy efficiency properties earned it its well-deserved fame.
Wood:
Wooden windows are used for classic or traditional architecture. With their naturally warm hues, they give a home, natural vibe. But you don't have to stick with the brown color; you can have it painted to match your décor. Its advantages include insulation, condensation prevention, and ease of customization. On the contrary, the list of disadvantages is long; susceptible to rotting, termites, warping, and high maintenance. But even with all of that, it is still one of the most commonly used materials.
Fiberglass:
Fiberglass is another popular window material, and for a good reason. It won’t peel, fade, flake, expand or contract in high temperature, durable, rigid, and absorb liquid. But it is expensive, and if constructed wrong, drafts can form in the frame surroundings.
Composite:
The last option is using composite materials made of vinyl and reclaimed wood blend. The material is specially treated to resist warping, rotting, moisture damage, and warping. They are also great options for thermal and energy efficiency and are highly durable. However, it is the most expensive material out of all others.
Selecting Right Window Style:
Like materials, window styles have to be chosen before the work starts. But there is a huge range in styles, so you have many options to choose from.
Single Hung Windows:
These windows can be opened in two ways, moving the lover sash up or downwards or vertically.
Double Hung Windows:
Similar to single hung windows, except in this style, both lower and upper sash can be moved.
Arched Windows:
Used to enhance the architectural design, they can be installed above standard windows, as they don't always open.
Awning Windows:
Awning windows are opened by pushing them upwards on the outside. Perfect for climates with heavy rains.
Bay Windows:
Bay windows are used more for aesthetics than their functionality. They are big, open towards the outside, and will create a small shelf in the interior of your home. It isn't easy to install.
Bow Windows:
The most expensive style of windows. These are curved windows that create a circular area at the exterior of your home. They are used for creating perfect views of the backyards or gardens.
Casement Windows:
Casement windows are a relatively modern design. They will either swing upwards on the outside or to the sides.
Egress Windows:
Egress windows are more of a scape root for emergencies than ventilation, lighting, or aesthetics. Because of this, they are generally installed in the basement.
Garden Windows:
These are mini bay windows designed for plants. They act like tiny greenhouses, with mini shelves for placing plant pots and letting sunlight in from the outside.
Glass Block Windows:
Perfect for lighting, security, and privacy. These are made from frosted glass with different patterns.
Hopper Windows:
Perfect choice for limited wall space. It is only used for ventilation.
Jalousie Windows:
This window style is made of several slats of glass or metal, splitting it into several sections. They are used for ventilation purposes.
Picture Windows:
Picture windows are only used for viewing purposes, so it doesn't open. Due to this, you get an unobstructed view of your outside area.
Round Circle Windows:
Obviously, they are round or oval-shaped. They can also be elliptical or half-round. It can be combined with other styles.
Skylight Windows:
Skylight Windows are used in spaces where you want ventilation and lighting but don't have enough space. They are installed on ceilings.
Sliding Windows:
These windows are split into two sections, one of which is fixed and the other movable. You can also get a window with both sections being movable.
Transom Windows:
Decorative windows used to frame doorways or other windows.
Storm Windows:
Provide protection against the weather.
Cost Of Window Replacement: How Much You Should Budget?
On average, window replacement costs anywhere from $100 to $650, but the rates change with the material and style of windows.
Typical Range: $200 to $1,800 per window
National Average: $650 per window
Average labor costs: $38 per window
Price Of Window Replacement Depending Upon Materials:
|
Window Frame Material
|
Price Per Window
|
|
Aluminum Windows
|
$157
|
|
Vinyl Windows
|
$409
|
|
Wood Windows
|
$586
|
|
Fiberglass Windows
|
$475 to $1,575
|
|
Composite Windows
|
$295 to $1,325
|
Price Of Window Replacement Depending Upon Design:
|
Window Design
|
Price Per Window
|
|
Single Hung Windows
|
$170 to $360
|
|
Jalousie Windows
|
$175 to $375
|
|
Transom Windows
|
$200 to $575
|
|
Storm Windows
|
$200 to $460
|
|
Circle Windows
|
$250 to $750
|
|
Hopper Windows
|
$260 to $720
|
|
Casement Windows
|
$270 to $750
|
|
Double Hung Windows
|
$300 to $850
|
|
Sliding Windows
|
$320 to $1,300
|
|
Arched Windows
|
$325 to $500
|
|
Glass Block Windows
|
$400 to $1,100
|
|
Awning Windows
|
$420 to $760
|
|
Skylight Windows
|
$900 to $2,130
|
|
Garden Windows
|
$1,000 to $4,000
|
|
Egress Windows
|
$1,000 to $5,000
|
|
Bay Windows
|
$1,150 to $3,550
|
|
Bow Windows
|
$1,400 to $3,800
|
Hiring Window Contractors:
The next step is to hire the window contractors to officially start the window replacement process. Here is how you can do that.
Ask For Recommendations:
Ask for a recommendation from people you know. Keep in mind that the only viable options are those companies whose services have been availed before by your friends or contacts.
Limit Your Search Radius:
Limit your search to the local area. You can find many reliable ones in close distances.
Years Of Experience:
Choose window contractors who have many years of experience. The more working experience they have, the better their service will be.
Online Search:
Search for the lists of best window contractors near me. You will find a lot of them online. Make sure your location is on when you are doing that. You can also input your location in the search tab.
Get Quotes:
Get quotes from different window contractors. Compare all the estimates, and hire the painter who will be most suitable for your wallet.
Preparation For Window Replacement:
Before the window contractors come into your home, you must do the following preparations.
Clearing The Area:
Male sure that the area is cleared from any furniture or objects.
Protect Furniture:
Heavy furniture can't be moved around, so cover it thoroughly.
Deactivating Alarms:
Deactivate all the alarms to avoid high sounds whenever the workers enter your home.
Children/ Pet Proofing:
Take proper measures to ensure that your pets and children won’t wander in.
Landscaping:
Remove any obstruction from the outside. That includes trimming your trees and bushes to get unobstructed access.
